Rugby League fans around the world will now be able to follow all the drama and action from the First Utility Super League thanks to agreements reached between The RFL, Super League (Europe), Sky Sports and a host of international broadcasters.

The most eagerly-anticipated Super League season ever kicks off tonight with the first of over 70 matches to be show in 2015, with Widnes Vikings taking on last season’s Grand Finalists Wigan Warriors. 

Viewers will be able to watch every team live at least twice during the regular season and coverage of up to three games a week from all 23 rounds of the northern hemisphere’s premier Rugby League competition. Viewers can also look forward to every game in the revamped season finale including the playoffs and Grand Final from Old Trafford. 

SLE and Sky Sports have reached agreement with the following international broadcast partners:

Australia

A five-year agreement with Fox Australia to show Super League exclusively live on Fox Sports. Viewers can look forward to watching the stars of the NRL who have joined Super League including Todd Carney, Willie Tonga, and Terry Campese.

New Zealand

A two-year agreement to show Super League live on New Zealand’s SKY Sport channels.  Lance Hohaia, Roy Asotasi, Todd Carney and Matt Bowen are some of the Kiwi players amongst Super League clubs that viewers will, be able to watch.

France

A three-year agreement to show Super League exclusively live on BeIN Sports.  Catalans Dragons will feature at least 11 times live during regular season coverage.

North America

A five-year agreement with Fox Sports to show Super League exclusively live on Fox Sports.

Middle East

A five-year agreement with OSN to show Super League exclusively live on the OSN network.

Super League General Manager Blake Solly said: “We are delighted that our broadcast partners around the world will televise live games from the First Utility Super League in what is a hugely exciting year for Rugby League.

“The sport’s new structure will ensure that every minute of every match matters throughout 2015 and I am sure that viewers will be captivated by the skills, the action and the drama that Super League delivers on a weekly basis.”

Sky Sports Commercial Director Richard Verow said: “Together with SLE, Sky Sports is delighted to reach agreements with our international broadcast partners.  Since its launch 20 years ago, Super League has captivated British audiences offering viewers drama, action and excitement in every match.  This great news mean fans across the world will be able to tune in to watch live matches and see their heroes compete in Super League.”

 This season Sky Sports and the RFL have partnered to launch Sky Try, a new initiative to attract an extra 100,000 people to the sport of Rugby League each year. Sky Try is a seven-year partnership with the RFL, which aims to increase the number of viewers, spectators and participants in Rugby League.  A major part of this is the Sky Grass Roots programme which aims to make Rugby League more accessible to primary and secondary school students.